In a major development impacting thousands of students and working professionals, a massive sweep of paying guest (PG) accommodations in Bengaluru has uncovered widespread, systemic safety and regulatory violations. Following a GBA inspection of 1,500 facilities in the city’s East division, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday issued a strict ultimatum to PG owners: file a formal commitment to comply with safety norms within two weeks or face utility shutdowns and legal prosecution.
The shocking findings, compiled in a voluminous two-set report, were presented to the High Court by Advocate B S Karthikeyan on behalf of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The inspection revealed that the vast majority of the audited properties are flouting basic building codes, fire safety measures, zoning regulations, and hygiene standards.
Subhuman Conditions and Severe Security Lapses
The GBA’s inspection report outlines a grim reality for occupants paying for temporary housing in the tech hub. Among the most critical structural and operational failures documented are:
- Zoning and Structural Violations: Most PGs were constructed without a sanctioned plan or deviated entirely from their approved blueprints. Furthermore, commercial PG operations were found running illegally inside strictly residential zones.
- Overcrowding: Multiple accommodations failed to meet the mandatory minimum living space requirement of 70 square feet per occupant, leaving rooms heavily congested and unfit for long-term habitation.
- Fire and Electrical Hazards: Many facilities lacked functional fire safety equipment, fire department No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), and operational CCTV cameras.
- Hygiene and Health Risks: In-house kitchens were found operating in highly unhygienic environments without Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification. Many operators also failed to provide basic safe drinking water or mandatory medical first-aid boxes.
- Compromised Security for Women: Security infrastructure in women’s PGs was found to be severely deficient, directly exposing female students and professionals to safety risks.
- Environmental Neglect: Most inspected properties operated without valid trade licenses and routinely ignored municipal rules regarding solid waste segregation and disposal.
High Court Issues Stern Ultimatum
Reviewing the findings, Justice Suraj Govindaraj acknowledged the vital role that PG accommodations play in supporting Bengaluru’s massive influx of students and corporate employees. However, the Court made it clear that essential services cannot be run in complete defiance of safety laws.
Advocates Rajesh Bhat and Pavan G N, representing the petitioners—the Paying Guest Accommodation Welfare Association and seven other entities—requested a two-week window to seek instructions on rectifying the violations.
While noting that “no indulgence is required to be extended,” the bench agreed to grant the requested two weeks. PG owners must now file individual, category-specific affidavits outlining exactly how and when they will resolve their respective violations.
If acceptable affidavits are submitted, the Court indicated it would consider extending the compliance window by 45 to 60 days. However, the bench warned that if compliance is not met within that extended period, the court will direct the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), and the GBA to take immediate enforcement action, which could include cutting off water and power supplies.
The 10 Essential Rules for PG Trade Licenses
The current crackdown stems from a court-ordered inspection initiative launched in February to enforce trade license compliance. Under guidelines issued by the BBMP Chief Commissioner on August 7, 2024, PG facilities must strictly satisfy the following ten conditions to obtain and retain a trade license:
- CCTV Surveillance: All entryways, exits, and corridors must have active CCTV coverage with storage capacity to hold at least 90 days of footage.
- Minimum Space: Every occupant must be allocated at least 70 square feet of personal space. The trade license will strictly specify the maximum number of occupants permitted in the building.
- Sanitation: Facilities must feature clean, hygienic washrooms for residents.
- Water Supply: Owners must guarantee a source of potable drinking water and ensure the availability of 135 LPCD (litres per capita per day) of water.
- Food Safety: Any PG operating an in-house mass kitchen must secure an FSSAI license within 3 months of obtaining their municipal trade license.
- 24/7 Security: The facility must employ at least one security guard with verified character credentials on duty 24/7.
- Fire Safety: Buildings must secure official fire safety clearance from the competent authority before a trade license can be issued.
- Emergency Helplines: Emergency helpline numbers for the BBMP and local police must be prominently displayed.
- First-Aid: A fully stocked first-aid kit must be kept accessible on-site.
- Waste Management: Facilities must strictly implement solid waste segregation practices.
To ensure long-term compliance, Zonal Commissioners are mandated to inspect PG facilities every six months. Violators face prosecution under sections 307 and 308 of the BBMP 2020 Act.
The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for June 22, by which time PG owners must present their concrete compliance roadmaps. Meanwhile, the GBA is preparing to expand its rigorous inspection drive to the remaining divisions of Bengaluru.
